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Theodore Atkinson

Colonel Theodore Atkinson was an American politician, lawyer and militia officer who served as the secretary of New Hampshire from 1741 to 1762.

Last revised
Jun 19, 2026
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Theodore Atkinson
Portrait by Joseph Blackburn, 1760
Secretary of New Hampshire
In office
1741–1762
Preceded byRichard Waldron
Succeeded byTheodore Atkinson Jr.
Personal details
BornDecember 20, 1697
DiedSeptember 22, 1779 (aged 81)
Parent(s)Theodore Atkinson III
Mary Atkinson
Harvard College (g. 1718)
OccupationPolitician, lawyer, military officer
Military service
AllegianceNew Hampshire
Branch/serviceNew Hampshire Militia
RankColonel

Colonel Theodore Atkinson (December 20, 1697 – September 22, 1779) was an American politician, lawyer and militia officer who served as the secretary of New Hampshire from 1741 to 1762.

Early life

Theodore Atkinson was born in New Castle, New Hampshire on December 20, 1697. His parents were Colonel Theodore Atkinson III and his wife Mary. Atkinson was sent to study at Harvard College, graduating from the institution in 1718. A year later, his father died, and by the mid-1730's, Atkinson had moved to Portsmouth, New Hampshire, where he worked as a lawyer.1

Political and military career

In 1741, Atkinson was appointed as the secretary of New Hampshire, serving in the office until 1762, when he passed it to his son Theodore. However, after Theodore died in 1769, Atkinson once again served in the office until 1775. Atkins also served in the New Hampshire Militia at the rank of colonel.2

Later life and death

Atkinson died in Portsmouth on September 22, 1779.3

References

References